Destination Central West (DNCW) is con­tinuing to work with industry, councils and government partners to support the region following the diversion of the Great Western Highway.

Transport for NSW has advised that the closure is expected to remain in place for at least three months while stabilisation works are undertaken. During this period, the Cen­tral West remains open and accessible via several alternative routes, and businesses across the region continue to welcome visitors. We recognise that this situation is evolving quickly and that many businesses are already responding to visitor questions and travel concerns.

DNCW is continuing support industry during this period, including; Monitoring visitor economy impacts through industry feedback and survey data, Providing clear visitor messaging and industry communica­tions resources, Working with councils and regional partners to support coordinated messaging Advocating to Destination NSW and NSW Government on behalf of the re­gion’s visitor economy. DNCW will continue providing updates to industry as the situa­tion evolves.

Businesses are encouraged to continue promoting events, experiences and regional travel while sharing clear information about alternative travel routes. For the latest road conditions, visitors should check:Transport for NSW and Live Traffic NSW

Last Saturday, over 70 people journeyed to celebrate the launch of the Promise Faith Centre Churches International Official Launch at its new headquarters at the for­mer Mamre Farm in Alectown.

Bishop Barry Cunnington, who leads this ministry, said he was thrilled with the day and the number of people who travelled far and wide, some from as far as Qld and Vic to celebrate their launch and learn more about the exciting things that are planned for the Central West.

“It was a wonderful day.” Bp Barry said.

“We were delighted to have the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee welcome us to this region and share her heart.”

He went on to share that this new head­quarters brings him back to his Central West roots, as he grew up in a farming fam­ily near West Wyalong.

“I have a real heart for the people of this region,” he said. “I’ve been there, in droughts, and dust storms, good crops and bad, and I know there are hurting people out there who need hope – hope that only Jesus Christ can truly give.”

Their first event coming up, however, is a 72hr, non-stop Prayer, Praise and Worship time in May with many coming from other states to join in worship and prayer to the Lord.

On the October Long Weekend, they are establishing an annual Camp Meeting with the focus to ‘Mobilise Aussies for Christ’ – to encourage and equip for mission – “To go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Interested in finding out more? Please head to their website www.promisefaith.com.au

Pictured at the official opening of the extensions to Forbes Family History Group rooms by the then Premier, Bob Carr, which took place on Monday, 23rd February 1998. Names from left to right are – Mayor John Mahlo, Caryl Slattery (FFHG), Premier Bob Carr, Member for Lachlan Ian Armstrong, Tony Kelly MLC and Cr. Dianne Decker.

Forbes Family History Group will be cel­ebrating their 40th birthday this month, and invite everyone to their Open Day on Wednesday, 25 March from 10am until 3pm in the Family History Group rooms be­hind the Library.

Their first meeting held at the Jemalong Retirement Village on 26 March 1986 was attended by eight people – Marj Ticehurst, Dianne Lambert, Kim Smith, Hazel Mad­den, Jean Little, Leila Collits, Jill and Les Peasley. At the meeting, the following of­fice bearers were elected – President Jill Peasley, Vice-President Jean Little, Treas­urer/Secretary Kim Smith, Publicity Officer Dianne Lambert and Research/Librarian Mildred Churchill.

The group’s first few meetings were held at Jemalong Retirement Village, before the Forbes Historical Society allowed the group to use a spare room above the museum.

As membership grew, space became a problem, so the group approached Forbes Council for permission to use a room at the back of the Library which was being used for storage of library books. Permission be­ing granted, the group held working bees to clear the room and repair the floor to get the room ready for use. On 17 April 1987, the group moved from the room above the museum to their present location behind the library.

In 1997, Forbes Council completed ex­tensions to the group’s rooms and these extensions were opened on 23 February 1998 by the then Premier Bob Carr.

In 2026, Forbes Family History Group membership stands at 99 which includes five Life Members. Membership of Forbes Family History Group is open to any­one. Their rooms are open for research on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm.